Back to the Poker Newsfeed

Standing After Betting: A Potential Poker Tell At the WSOP

What does it mean when a player makes a big bet and then stands up?

We’ve seen it many times in World Series of Poker footage and in other tournaments. A player shoves all in and then stands up as he waits for his opponent to act.

Maybe he paces around. Maybe he talks a bit. Maybe he just stands and stares silently at the board. It certainly heightens the drama of such moments, but is there perhaps something more to consider from this behavior?

Here’s a short clip from the 2008 WSOP Main Event showing Jerry Yang — the previous year’s champion — after he has shoved all in on the flop (I’ve covered the players’ hands).